Apparatus for commuting electric currents passing through lamps, &amp;c.



No. 817.597. PATENTED APR. 10, 190 6.

' G. SMART.

APPARATUS FOR GOMMU'TING ELECTRIC GURRENTS PASSING THROUGH LAMPS, a

APPLICATION FILED BEPTJQ, 1904.

4 SHEETS-SHEET 1.

PATENTED APR. 10, 1,906.

APPARATUS FOR GOMMUIING ELECTRIC GURRBNTS PASSING THROUGH LAMPS, 8w. APPLICATION IIL ED SEPT. 19 1904.

4 SHEETS-SHEET 2.

PATENTED APR. 10, 1906.

0. SMART. V APPARATUS FOR GOMMUTING ELECTRIC CURRENTS PASSING THROUGH LAMPS, '&

LED 8 &W///// No. 817,597. I PATENTED APR. 10, 1906.

' 0. SMART. APPARATUS FOR COMMUTING" ELECTRIC CURRENT-S PASSING THROUGH LAMPS, &0.- APPLIOATNN FILED EEYTJQ, 1904.

4 SHBETS-SHEBT 4:.

' i i r v 9,10 and '11 show the arrangement of clrcuits 2 3' F f In the arrangement illustrated in Fig, 1,, a

f Unrrnn' snares Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented April 10, 1906.

ApplicatianfiledSeptember19,1904. Seria1No.225,062.

TO JZ'Z whom it may concern.

I it. i The cylinder is formed into four vertiiBeit known that I, CAMPBEIIL Santana I cal ratcl'iet-teeth g g g g -tha.t is tosay,

subject 'ofthe King otGre'at Brita-in, residing 'at 1'3 Carlton TerracefSuansea, in the couii tyiof G1 amorgan, Engl and, have 'inv'ent ed newsnd useful Improvements in Apparatus for Commuting Electric Currents Passing Throi-rghfCdmbined Arc and Incandescent I La n-p Circuits,- of which the following is a eommutatorsfor electric-currents of combined 'arc -and incandescent lamps; and the object's ofinyinvention are, first, to provide means for varying the current )assing through-the c rcuits of electric are an. incandescent lamps in such mannerthat when the arc la'inp's are burning during evening load the incandescent-lamps will be cut off, while to switch bmthe incandescent lamps (say for midnight load) the arc-lamps are switched ofi","t he apparatusbeing brought automaticany into thefgroper positibn'forthe next op- 1 eration' of switching off the incandescent lamps and switching on the arc-lamps for eyening load second, -'to providemeans for I: automatically correcting any defects in the of the apparatus caused byfthe fail- I conductors;

u fan'arc-larnp. I attain these objects frontfview of similar, apparatus somewhatinodified, Fig 3 is a side view of Fi 2. Fi "dis a se arate view of one of the as. p i p votfid'. metal arms shown in Fig. 3. Fig.5

is a. separate section. through the solenoid e. ,6 'isfa fhorizontalsection through the ratchet-shap d teeth 9, Fig. 1 are detailyiews of a. modified switch. Figs.

for connecting iny-apparatils tofthe niain Similar letters, and

parts throughout the several views.

are in series with that of the arelamp. Below this solenoid and connected by rods 1) ,b

bracket, upon which isfixed firmly a vertical rass cylinder, e, through which passes freely continuation of the core fofthe solenoid or a inec'hanisntillustrated in the acconi- 1 s a front view of the apparatus.

Figs. 7 and 8 f gures refer to similar is a; main ,vertieal solenoid the coils of which of the next succeedin toothon the brass c *linder, as shown. in Fig. 1.

Instead of the sprnr's '2 pivoted metal arms may be used, asshown in Figs. 2, 3, and

4', in which two metal arms of suitable shape are pivoted from the under Slde of the solenoid-flan ev and counterbalanced in such a manner that their points j hang normally past the faces of the teeth 9, above referred to, but are capable of being swung back sufliciently far to allow a transverse pin is in the solenoid-core (referred to later) to pass be tween them and. the" vertical faces'of the teeth. I The lower part of the central coref of the solenoid, or of an extension of it, is (in both,

forms) provided with a strong transverse. pin I k, fixed in'it in such a position that as the core is raised or lowered the pin is (the ends somewhat beyond the outer of which extend diameter of the teeth 9) has a stroke somewhat greater than the height of the teeth, so

that it descends to the bottom" of the space between the teeth 9, if allowed to do so, and rises'a suflicient distance above the points of the latter to bring it in 'linewith their vcrti- 'cal faces. in descending the-pink passes down along the vertical face of a tooth, pressing back the pivotcdrnetal arm 3' (or the spring all until it has reached the lowest point of its stroke and is'clear of the point of the pivoted arm or the spring, which flies back over it. When the pin rises, it passes and is guided along the inclined back of the pivoted armor spring and at the same time taking with it the coref, to which is. at-

turns,

tached, through one-fourth of a circle round a the vertical center of the solenoid a. lThe pin 1' is shown extending through the core at each side, so that its two ends act alternately ,on the pivoted metal arms or springs, and

efl'ected in different ways.

si iss'i' thus the core is turned once round by equal core f will be raised in the solenoid a, and

steps at each four movements up and down of the solenoid-core. Only two teeth and springs or pivoted arms need be used instead of four.

The same result may be obtained by making one of the contact-blocks with an insulated side and turning it so as to present a metal and insulated side alternately to a moving switch-blade, and so close and open the circuit. This-modified method of applying the principle described may evidently be For instance, as illustrated in Figs. 7 and 8, one of the contact-blocks m or 'm instead of being fixed may be made capable of revolving upon a horizontal spindle and having four sides of metal and ebonite alternately, so that if it be turned round through a quarter-revolution at a time a conducting and non-conducting face alternately will be presented to the switch-blade Z as the latter rises and falls. In this arrangement the core f of the main'solenoicl a does not turn round at intervals, as first described; but the same object is attainedby its alternate rising and falling without turning. The intermittent revolution of thecontact block is effected by m ans of an arnrcarried by the core and hav- "ing connected with it a pawl engaging with a four-toothed ratchet-wheel upon the spindle, so that the wheel (and with it the ctntactpiece) is turned through one tooth every time the solenoid-core rises.

At the lower end of the core f or its extension is fixed a transverse insulated metal conducting-strip or switch-blade Z, capable of adjustment, which at every alternate movement of the core f up and down takes up a position at the bottom of the stroke, with its ends in electrical contact with two opposite contact-blocks m m, which are connected in series with the circuit of the incandescent lamps, and so switches them on. At every alternate ascent of the core f the latter is moved through one quarter of a revolution, and the circuit is broken and continues broken when next the core f drops, as the conducting-strip 1 or switch-blade Lis now at right angles to the contact-blocks m m and not touching them. A second and similar conducting-strip or switch-blade n is fixed at right angles to the one, Z, already described, but, as shown in Figs. 2 and 3, slightly hi her up, so that it cannot touch the contactlocks m m. The object of this is to enable the switch to be closed by raisin the contact-blocks m m to meet this secon conducting-strip or switchblade n, as explained later. The switchblade is shown of a somewhat difierent shape' in Fig. 2 than in Fig. 1 and may be'of any suita le shape.

Referring now to Figs. 9 and 10, which show the arrangement of circuits, it will be seen that if the arc-lamps are burning the with it the transverse conducting-strip or s'i'vitch-bl'ade Z, Fig. 1, the blade being in such position that when it falls it will join toarc-lamps are switched on and the core rises and turns through a quarter of a revolution. They are then switched off and the core falls, and the transverse conducting strip or switch-blade Z is then in a position'at right angles to the contact-blocks m m and the incandescent lamps are off.

The incandescent lamps would light up antomatically if an arc-lamp failed during evening li hting; but the switch belonging to it woulc go out of step if the arc righted itself. To providefor this, I mount the contact-blocks m m described upon an insulating bar 0, Fig. 1, attached to or connected Wlifh an iron frame carrying the core p of a second described and the coils of which are in series i circuit with the substitute orauxiliary resistanee R of the are-lamps in question, Fig. 9. Thus on the failure of an arc-lamp the contact-blocks m m rise and. intercept the main core f in its descent, preventing the pin k in the latter from going down low enough to pass the pivoted metal arm or spring, between which and a tooth 1t rsmov ing, so that when the first solenoid a is next energized the pin rises to its former osltlon only and does not revolve, and so oes not cause the core f to revolve through a fourth of a revolution, thus keeping the apparatus in ste with others on the same system. Shoul thearc remain faulty until its circuit is openedsay at midnight-the core f drops to its lowest position in the same way as all the others, and the transverse in k is ready to'turn the core f roun'd whent e latter rises again, and so switch off the incandescent 2 z are tubular distance-pieces round the I pins y y, limiting the descent of the bar 0.

A shunt winding may be added to the lower solenoid q, or a separate shunt-solenoid may be used to combinean arc-lamp automatic cut-out and cut-1n action with the switch, and a suitable carbon or other contact-maker is arranged to close the circuit.

through the substitute resistance R. For this pur ose the lower solenoid last described is slight y increased in size, so as to allow a shunt-winding to be placed beneath the series winding, and upon the under side of the iron frame which carries the core of the lower -solenoid, asalready describedgi' but'insulated l tem, means operating upon each alternate i'ro m the frame,"is fixed a tra'r'isverse hori I zontal brass bar w, ca rryingl g g oneach'end a holder mix fora short carbon rod as, above which are fixed (to'the slate base) two metal pillars or holders 1 2, carrying similar carbon contacts 3 4, with which the carbons s s on the brass bar w come in contact when the lower solenoid comes into action and its core riseson-"the failure of an arc. This would formadouble break. The up er carbon contacts 3 4 "would be connected withthe substitutional resistance and with 'the series windingof'thelower'solenoid' The shuntwindin of the solenoid woulr be connected across t g e are and'could be regulated so as to screwed in and out t a a any desired voltage by -adjusting the position "of an lron screws, which can be l rough 'the top of the the upper free end of its core. need not necessarily be arranged so as to form a good rubbi'ngmetallic contact, or in a modified form ofconstruction and arrangement a separate shunt-wound solenoid r is fitted alongside ofthe series one q, as shown solenoid above in Figs. 2, 3, and 9, and a carbon block 8 is fixed" on the iron frame 13 between the" two solenoids capable (when it is raised by the and shunt-coil 1' maybe use contact-blocks.

magnetism of the solenoids) of making electrical'contact with a carbon block u, fixedtotheslate base "0 above it, Figs-2 and 3, thus closing the substitute resistance-circuit. Thiscut out a'nd cut-in would operate in the usual inanner-and would be capableof adjustment to cut out the arc-lamp at any desired voltage and cut it in again when its carbons close again.

A separate magnet havin series coil (i to control t e circuit of substitute resistance R, as shownin Fig. 10.

The action of the seconil switch-blade n is as follows: When the arc-lamps and the in candescent lam s are both ofi' during the day,- the switch-bla( e Z is at right angles to the Now supposing that vthe carbons of an arc-lamp have stuck open and no current can pass through it. When switched on in the evenin it will not light; but the automatic cut-out will act and the contactbloeks will consequently rise. If there were, n second switch-blade h in position above't e contact-blocks, then no lamps would light; but byfixing thissecond switchblade n at right angles to the first one Z and ata somewhat greater height (so that when bined arc-lamp an incandescent-lamp sysmechanism for a comfailure of current'in the arc-circuit to close the incandescent circuit, and a controller therefor in the arc-circuit; substantially as described.

2. In a switchin mechanism for acom- 'bined arc-lamp and incandescent-lamp systern, a two-part switch for controlling the incandescent circuit adapted to circuit when the parts are in alinement, elecclose said a tromagnetic' means in the arc-circuit for ho] ding the switch open, and means for throwing the parts of said switch out of alinement;

substantially as described.

3.- Ina switchin mechanism for a com 'bined arc-lamp and incandescent-lamp sys-' term, a two-part switch for controlling the in candescent circuit adapted to close said circuit when the parts are in alinement, electromagnetic means in the arc-circuit for holding the switch open, means for-throwing the parts of'said switch out of alinernent, and auxiliary mechanism for rendering the last-named means ineffectual substantially as described.

4. In a switching mechanism for a com bined arc-lamp and incandescent-lamp sys tem, a two-part switch for controlling the incandescent circuit adapted to close said cire cuit when the switch open, means'for throwing the parts of said switch out of alinement, and auxiliary mechanism controlled by the otential across the arc-lamp described.

the parts are in: alinement, electro-. magnetic means in thearc-c1rcurtfor holdlng circuit for ren ering the lastnamedmeans ineflectual; substantially asioo 5. In a switching mechanism for a coin 'bined arc-lamp and incandescent-lamp system, a two-part switch for controlling the in candescent circuit adapted to close said circuit when the parts are "in ahnement, electromagnetic means in the arc circuit for holding the switch open, means for throwing theparts of said switch out of alinement, and auxiliary mechanism controlled by the potential across the arc-lamp circuit for rendering the last-named means ineffectual and for inserting a resistance in the arc-circuit in shunt to the arc-lamp," substantially as described. 1

6. A switch for electric circuits provided.

with contacts .for electric conductors and having main and auxiliary blades arranged at an angle to each other, an electromagnet for moving said blades toward and from the contacts, and an electromagnet for moving said contacts toward and from said blades; substantially as described.-

7. A switch for electric circuits provided with contacts for electric conductors and having main and auxiliary blades arranged at an angle to each other, means for placing said blades alternately in alinement with said contacts, an electromagnet for moving said blades toward and'from said contacts, and an n angle to each other, an electromagnet foran electromagnet for moving said contactsinto engagement with said auxiliary blade; substantially as described.

9. A switch for electric circuits provided with contacts for electric conductors and having main and auxiliary blades arranged at an moving said blades toward and from the contacts, means cooperating therewith for rotat ing the blades, and an electroinagnet for moving said contacts toward and from said blade; substantially as described.

10. A switch for electric circuits provided with contacts for the conductors of a main circuit and having main and auxiliary blades arranged at an angle to each other, an auxiliary controlling-circuit, an electromagnet in series therewith arranged to move said blades toward and from the contacts, and an electromagnet having a coil in shunt to said circuit arranged to move said contacts toward and from said blades; substantially as described.

11. A switch ior electric circuits provided with contacts for the conductors of a main circuit and having main and auxiliary blades arranged at an angle to each other, an auxiliary controlling-circuit, an electromagnet in series therewith arranged to move said blades toward and from the contacts, and an electromagnet having a coil in shunt to said circuit from said blades and to close a shunt across said circuit through a resistance; substantially as described.

12. A switch for electric circuits provided with contacts for the -.couductors of a main circuit and having main and auxiliary blades arranged at an angle to each other, an auxiliarycontrolling-circuit, an electromag'net in series therewith arranged to move said blades toward and from the contacts, and an elect romagnet having a coil inshunt to said circuit arranged to move said contacts toward and from said blades and to close a shunt across said circuit through a resistance and through an auxiliary coil onsaid shunt magnet; sub-- stantially as described.

13. A switch for electric circuits provided with contacts for electric conductors, an electromagnet having a movable core carrying blades arranged at an angle to each other, a stationary cylinder or ring surrounding said core provided with projecting teeth, a transverse pin in the core adapted to engage said teeth, and a movable guide arranged to shift said pin from one-tooth to another; substantially as described.

14. A switch vfor electric circuits provided with contacts for electric conductors, an electroniagnet arranged to reciprocate said contacts, an electromagnet having a movable core carrying blades arranged at an angle to each other, a stationary cylinder or ring surrounding said core and provided with projectin teeth, and a movable guide arranged to shi t said pin from one tooth to another; substantially as described.

15. A switch for electric circuits provided with contacts for electric conductors, anelectromagnet having a movable core carrying blades arranged at an angle to each other, a stationary cylinder or ring surrounding said core and provided with projecting teeth, a transverse pin in the core adapted to engage said teeth, a movable guide arranged to shift said pin from one tooth to another, an electromagnet arranged to reciprocate said contacts i and an auxiliary magnet for controlling the arranged to move said contacts toward and circuit thereof; substantially as described.

In witness whereof I, have hereunto set my hand in the presence of two witnesses.

CAMPBELL SMART.

Witnesses:

WILLIAM S. REES, TREVOR THOMAS. 

